A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 179

Thankfully, Rowan's arm was steady as steel around her waist.

He acted as if he hadn't heard a thing, utterly absorbed in the kiss, his lips moving insistently over hers. The doorbell kept ringing, but Elissa managed to push him back just enough to catch her breath. "Someone's here…"

Rowan's eyes, dark and intense, were clouded with desire. His fingers squeezed her waist, sliding upward as he kissed her again. "Ignore them," he murmured, his voice husky and dangerously enticing.

No one answered the door, and the person outside was quickly losing patience. The ringing turned to loud knocking, punctuated by muffled, confused voices.

"What's going on? Did Rowan forget we were coming today?"

"No way."

That was Frank's voice.

Panic fluttered in Elissa's chest. She glanced up at Rowan, her eyes wide. "Frank and the others are here…"

"So what?"

Rowan pressed another kiss to her lips, his face tightening with a flicker of coldness. He tilted her chin up. "Afraid he'll find out you're cheating on your husband?"

"That's not it…"

It was just—awkward.

Frank was out there ringing the doorbell, and she was tangled up in Rowan's arms.

—In her brother's arms.

But all Rowan saw was her fear of being caught.

He stepped closer, caging her in, a mocking smile twisting his lips. "So, who's the better kisser, me or him?"

Elissa stared at him, baffled by his logic. "What are you even talking about? I just—"

Before she could finish, the lock beeped—the sound of someone rapidly punching in the code.

As the last digit was about to be entered, Elissa bolted for the hallway, but Rowan caught her, pulling her back and locking eyes with her, refusing to let it go. "Answer me."

Frank looked unsurprised. He remembered seeing Rowan waiting downstairs in the parking lot last time—clearly for someone he cared about. With Rowan's looks, charm, and determination, there wasn't a woman he couldn't win over. The only reason he'd stayed single all these years was because he simply hadn't wanted to date.

But now, Frank was genuinely curious. What kind of woman had finally caught Rowan's eye and heart?

He smiled, asking, "Is she the one you were waiting for downstairs the other day?"

Rowan nodded slightly, ignoring the other two. Only then did he seem to realize, rubbing his thumb across his lips and noticing the telltale stain of lipstick. He licked his lips, almost relishing the taste.

Frank, being a man himself, recognized the signs. He chuckled, teasing, "Looks like we'll be toasting at your wedding soon, huh?"

"Wouldn't count on it."

Rowan stuffed one hand into his pocket, tossed each of them a cold beer, and spoke with a cryptic half-smile.

Bradley popped open his can, took a sip, and shot Rowan a mischievous grin. "What do you mean? Is there actually a woman out there who doesn't want to marry you? Or…" He grinned wider, voice lowering in mock scandal, "Don't tell me you've got your eye on a married woman, Rowan?"

Elissa stepped out of the bathroom just in time to hear that last line, her mind going completely blank.